Structural militarism and geopolitical tensions shape the perilous reality of Iranian missile crews
Original framing: “‘Most dangerous job on earth’: the life of an Iranian ballistic missile crew” — Financial Times
The Iranian missile program has roots in the post-1979 revolution and the Iran-Iraq War, where Iran faced massive conventional military attacks. The development of asymmetric capabilities like ballistic missiles emerged as a response to perceived threats from the US and its allies. Historical parallels include the Cold War arms race and the development of nuclear deterrence in other regions.
The Iranian missile program is not simply a matter of individual risk but a systemic outcome of geopolitical rivalry, historical grievances, and the normalization of militarism.
Indigenous and cross-cultural perspectives reveal alternative frameworks for understanding security and resistance, while scientific and artistic insights highlight the human and environmental costs of militarization. Historical parallels with the Cold War and the Iran-Iraq War underscore the cyclical nature of conflict and the need for diplomatic alternatives. Marginalized voices, including those of missile crew members and affected civilians, offer a more holistic understanding of the human toll. Future modeling suggests that de-escalation is possible through multilateral diplomacy, arms control, and civil society engagement. A systemic approach must address the root causes of conflict, including economic sanctions, regional instability, and the global security paradigm that prioritizes deterrence over cooperation.